Published February 7, 2020
MELROSE — Robert M. Van Kirk, 91, died at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on January 27, 2020.
He was born in Columbia, N.J. on October 22, 1928 to the late Marvin ad Grace (Kinney) Van Kirk. Robert was raised in Belvidere, N.J., graduated from Belvidere High School in 1947 and entered the U.S. Navy in 1948. Mr. Van Kirk served in the Navy for 30 years, served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired as a Chief Petty Officer.
After his retirement from the service he worked as a project manager at Spaulding & Sly in Boston for a few years and then as a self employed carpenter for many years. He has been a resident of Melrose for 52 years. Robert was very involved in the veteran’s organizations over the years. He was the State Commander from 2004-2005, a lifetime member of the Harold O. Young VFW Post 2394 in Melrose, and member of the DAV, the American Legion, Korean Veterans Organization and the Navy Vessels Membership. He was considered a “Brown Shoe Navy Veteran” because he was on the aviation side of the U.S. Navy.
He was also a member of the Masonic Order Lodge 13 in Belvidere, N.J. and a member of the National Rifle Association. Mr. Van Kirk enjoyed camping and fishing, spending time in the summer in Sanford, Maine and winters in Key West, Florida. He and his wife Rita would travel to a different convention every year. He also enjoyed reading non-fiction and watching football and baseball.
Robert was the beloved husband of 52 years to Rita M. (Boyle) Van Kirk. Loving brother of Barbara Whitney and late husband Henry of N.J. Cherished uncle of Sharon Rahman, Steve Whitney, Patricia Boyle, Paula Boyle, Michael Boyle and Lawrence Boyle and their families. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St. Melrose on Saturday, February 8 from 9-11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11a.m. Interment with Military honors at Wyoming Cemetery after the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
“Van” was in the U.S. Navy for 30 years and was a Korea and Vietnam War veteran. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
